Appropriate grades or age groups:
Grades 3-8

Estimated time to complete project or implement technique:
2 days

Materials needed (if applicable):
coffee can
vinegar
water
baking soda
spoon
red food coloring
self-hardening clay
15"x15? piece of plywood
mailing tube
petroleum jelly
logbook and pencil

Project instructions or description of technique:
1) This is a great project that is artistic and scientific.

2) Do research on the properties of a volcano and how it works, how many eruptions there are in a year, where volcanoes exist on the planet.

3) Start your project the first day by placing your can in the center of your board.

4) Begin to mold your clay around the tip of your can (for safety so as not to cut fingers).

5) Build up your clay around the can.

6) Coat the mailing tube with petroleum jelly and place into the center of can.

7) Continue to build the clay up above the can.

8) Mold clay to your tube, giving it a pyramid shape.

9) Let it set overnight.

10) Remove tube.

11) Add a few drops of red food coloring to 1/2 to 3/4 cup of vinegar.

12) Pour mixture down the hole of your volcano into the can.

13) Add a spoonful of baking soda and watch it erupt!